Sociology

KEY STAGE 5 SUMMARY

We study AQA Sociology in a two year linear course. Sociology promotes inclusivity as we teach using Crenshaw's theory of intersectionality to ensure students understand social inequality through multiple lenses. This includes race, class, gender, disability and age etc. We take into consideration the experiences of our students and engage them with a full understanding of how society works as that they have the agency to be active citizens.  

Students gain critical and evaluative skills sought by higher education and employers – particularly in law, education, social work, politics, medicine, administration and the media.Students will develop an informed understanding of our rapidly changing world. They are encouraged to use real world examples and be active sociologists by researching and accessing the community they belong to. Our students study a range of sociological concepts and topics over the two years. The curriculum is designed to allow students to build synoptic links throughout their learning and build on their knowledge of sociological theory and concepts.  

Students study Education with Methods in Context; Families and Households; Crime and Deviance; Media and Theory and Methods. Students gain extensive knowledge on a range of theories such as  Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Social Interactionism and Postmodernity which they apply to all topics studied. The department develops key skills needed to set our students in good stead for university and employment. Students develop their ability to critically analyse and evaluate in extended pieces and apply research methods and theoretical perspectives.

Course breakdown:

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods  

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology: Families and Households and Media  

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods  

Curriculum Map

Students will become increasingly independent across their A Level years in order to prepare them for university and beyond.  Students are required to read around the subject frequently and develop their own specialism and specific topics of interest.

Useful links 

Sociology in the News

https://theconversation.com/uk  

https://www.theguardian.com/uk 

https://www.theweek.co.uk/ 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qy05 

https://www.britsoc.co.uk/  

HOW CAN I REVISE SOCIOLOGY?

It is really important you use your exercise book to revise- this should act as a revision guide.

Below is a list of websites that can also help with your revision.

When you’ve decided what you need to revise (by using the AQA specification, try one of these activities):

1. Make flash cards of key words or concepts and then practice with a friend or family member
2. Create a mind map from memory of a topic. Then check your notes and add to your mindmap in a different colour.
3. Answer an exam question. Then mark it using a mark scheme (see below for GCSE and A level links to papers). Now use your notes to make your corrections until you have a full mark model answer.
4. Ensure you always use the PEEEL structure to include evaluation and sociological evidence for both sides of the argument. 

Key Stage 5 Revision – AQA 

https://www.discoversociology.co.uk/social-inequalities/gender-and-schooling

https://revisesociology.com/

https://thesociologyguy.com/

https://hecticteachersociology.com/unit-2-family-and-households-2/

https://www.tutor2u.net/sociology